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Chartered teachers
07/06/2008
More clarity is needed on the role of Chartered Teachers and the contribution they can and should be making in our schools, Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop told the National Chartered Teachers Conference in Edinburgh today.
Scotland has 611 Chartered Teachers with around 2,500 working through the programme, which aims to provide teachers with a flexible career structure that recognises and rewards achievement.
A review of the scheme, commissioned under the previous administration, has been published today.
Ms Hyslop said:
"The Chartered Teacher programme is very challenging and I congratulate the teachers who have invested the time and money in achieving this standard.
"I welcome the recommendations put forward by the Review Group - however I would encourage stakeholders to go further in some areas.
"Most importantly, we need to fully understand the role of Chartered Teachers so that they can be a school-wide resource providing support to their colleagues. This is so important that I am referring this to the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers for further consideration and to invite them to issue guidance on this crucial matter.
"In particular, I believe that Chartered Teachers have an important role in the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence in our schools.
"The Review Group has called for clarity on the continuing professional development portfolio required to enter the scheme. It is imperative that this includes robust, validated evidence of effective classroom practice.
"While I agree that we should retain the principle of teacher self nomination, I see no reason why the GTCS guidance shouldn't strongly recommend that teachers include senior colleague endorsement of their suitability within their portfolio.
"I want the Chartered Teacher programme to be reviewed, so that we can be confident that those gaining this status really are our best teachers. Therefore providers must ensure that programmes include validated, school based evidence.
"We also need to have a clear understanding of the impact that Chartered Teachers have in our schools. That's why I will be asking HMIE to undertake a review, which will allow us to identify good practice and ensure this is spread across the system, for the benefit of pupils and teachers."